If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

The Hŕnyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshě (HSK) (Chinese: 汉语水平考试), translated as the Chinese Proficiency Test[1] or the Chinese Standard Exam, is China's only standardized test of Standard Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers such as foreign students and overseas Chinese. It is not uncommon to refer to a standard or level of proficiency by the HSK level number, or score. For example, a job description might ask for foreign applicants with "HSK5 or better." The test is administered by Hanban, an agency of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China.

Have a look at the sample exam paper for HSK 6. I was informed that it is equivalent or higher in terms of depth of command but different exam format. HSK6 is the requirement to enter Beijing University (BeiTa) and Tsinghua.

Have a look at the sample exam paper for HSK 6. I was informed that it is equivalent or higher in terms of depth of command but different exam format. HSK6 is the requirement to enter Beijing University (BeiTa) and Tsinghua.

Part 3 (writing)
Question 71-75 (fill in the blank with own words) and question 101 (essay summary) are tough and answers can be very subjective especially for question 71-75. Other questions are average, not difficult. Those who can score A in SPM can ace this level 6 writing test.

I didn't come from Chinese independent school, not sure about the standard of their Mandarin exam but I believe is tougher than SPM Mandarin.

Simpletons are the majority in a society. Don’t argue with them as they cannot comprehend they actually have a smaller brain size….

HSK is interesting for me as I am considering this route for my children in learning and mastering Mandarin.

It is well designed and systematically structured with global recognition. The children can take the exams as and when they are ready with options to retake if they did not do well enough, just like TOEFL. These are the advantages that I can see compared to the current school-based and time-limiting (cramming) SJKC/SMJK/UEC Mandarin curriculum.

It is just another of the multiple options and routes which the rest of the world is taking in learning Mandarin.

These are my opinions.
It is well designed and systematically structured with global recognition. The children can take the exams as and when they are ready with options to retake if they did not do well enough, just like TOEFL. These are the advantages that I can see compared to the current school-based and time-limiting (cramming) SJKC/SMJK/UEC Mandarin curriculum.
.

I can't see the logic.

Learning language is a continuous process. That's why the SJKC/SMJK/UEC cramp the curruculum content at different age groups to build the level foundation before advancing to next level. Once the students are in Form 5 or other equivalent final year of secondary school, they are ready for the exam.

For a student (full time student), you can't learn Mandarin and sit for Mandarin exam as and when you are ready. The level achievement can't be satisfactory..

Simpletons are the majority in a society. Don’t argue with them as they cannot comprehend they actually have a smaller brain size….

When I refer to "as and when you are ready" ... in this case it means the child is "out of the normal schooling pace" for learning and mastering Mandarin, for example, if a child whose Mandarin is average and make need to add an extra one or two years to brush up in terms of more reading or practice, they can afford to do so under HSK as it is not "time-based" . Of course, it is given that you are continuously learning Mandarin. The key point here is that HSK certifies your proficiency for the global market workplace and university entrance. It is not as an academic language subject.

I guess the logic is - Why waste time to assess Mandarin proficiency of students ? They won't survive if they can't master the language .... and who will apply to study in Peking University with all the necessary academic qualifications but without proficiency in Mandarin ??

Simpletons are the majority in a society. Don’t argue with them as they cannot comprehend they actually have a smaller brain size….

I guess the logic is - why waste time to assess mandarin proficiency of students ? They won't survive if they can't master the language .... And who will apply to study in peking university with all the necessary academic qualifications but without proficiency in mandarin ??

The way I look at it is - HSK is a Mandarin proficiency qualification to assess and attract international students to go to China to add up the numbers for top Chinese university in order for them to be ranked among the top universities in the world. The mix of students (local and international) has a high bearing in the ranking scores.

I doubt those who qualified with HSK 6 can survive the demand of Mandarin in specialised subjects like engineering or other science subjects due to the completely unique terminology in these subjects. Maybe they can study general subjects like management or business studies

Simpletons are the majority in a society. Don’t argue with them as they cannot comprehend they actually have a smaller brain size….